title: Using Xpert MTB/RIF.
abstract: Xpert MTB/RIF is an automated real-time polymerase chain reaction test for simultaneous detection of tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance. Xpert MTB/RIF has demonstrated excellent accuracy in clinical evaluation studies, but has reduced sensitivity for detection of smear-negative tuberculosis. Since sample processing and detection are largely automated, Xpert MTB/RIF is potentially suitable for implementation in resource-limited settings. There are, however, a number of practical constraints to the use of Xpert at the point-of-care. Xpert remains a relatively costly test, and clear demonstration of cost-effectiveness will be needed to support efforts to scale up testing in high burden countries.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa ; National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa.
authors.forename: Mark P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Nicol
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Whitelaw
authors.forename: Stevens
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wendy
keywords: Cost-effectiveness; Xpert MTB/RIF.; detection; diagnosis; rifampicin; tuberculosis